Cannabis News
Hop Latent Viroid – The Invisible Threat Plaguing the Cannabis Industry
Once upon a time, cannabis was the black sheep of the plant world. The subject of fierce debate, it was demonized by governments, feared by citizens, and shrouded in an aura of danger and mystery.
For decades, the plant languished in the shadows, relegated to the fringes of society and relegated to the status of an illicit substance. But as time passed, attitudes began to shift. People began to question the status quo, to demand change, and to organize around a cause that they believed in.
Through their tireless efforts, laws began to change. Slowly but surely, the world began to see cannabis in a new light – not as a threat, but as a potential source of healing, relaxation, and creative inspiration.
And so, a new industry began to take root. With the stigma of prohibition slowly fading away, cannabis cultivators, processors, and sellers began to emerge from the shadows, eager to bring their products to market and to capitalize on the newfound interest in this once-taboo plant.
But even as the industry blossomed, new threats began to emerge – threats that could not have existed during the days of prohibition. Threats that were invisible, insidious, and difficult to detect.
One such threat was the hop latent viroid – a plant-specific pathogenic RNA that had begun to ravage cannabis crops across the globe. At first, the viroid had gone unnoticed, lurking in the shadows like a silent assassin.
But as more and more growers began to fall victim to its effects, it became clear that something had to be done. The viroid had the potential to destroy entire crops, decimating the fledgling industry and leaving countless people out of work.
And so, a new battle began. A battle not against governments or police, but against an invisible enemy that threatened to destroy everything that the industry had worked so hard to build.
As scientists raced to develop new treatments and growers struggled to protect their crops, the cannabis industry found itself facing a new kind of adversity – one that could not be fought with fists or weapons, but with knowledge, skill, and innovation.
It was a new kind of frontier, a new kind of battle, and a new kind of threat. But the cannabis industry was nothing if not resilient, and it was determined to overcome this latest challenge, just as it had overcome so many others before.
And so, the fight against the hop latent viroid continues. But with each passing day, the industry grows stronger, more united, and more determined to build a brighter future for all.
Now for what’s really going on…
That story is the story of the cannabis industry, how it escaped the clutches of prohibition only to be faced with a new challenge – pathogens!
Hop latent viroid, a highly infectious crop disease, is posing a grave threat to the cannabis industry across the United States. The virus, which is a plant-specific pathogenic RNA, has been called the greatest threat to the industry and can easily spread undetected, affecting the potency of plants and destroying the commercial value of crops.
The pathogen has now spread from California to Massachusetts, and almost all of California’s marijuana nurseries were affected in 2021. As cannabis remains illegal on a federal level, growers are not able to ship plants across state lines, which has created a gray area in some state regulations that allows growers to acquire seeds or immature plants from out of state. This has led to an increase in the spread of the virus.
Growers have to take rigorous precautions to prevent the spread of hop latent viroid, including regular lab testing, sourcing plants from pre-tested seed or local stock, and strict sanitation procedures. Companies that cut corners to save time and money are now facing the consequences of the virus, which can only be dealt with by destroying everything affected.
While hop latent viroid is just one pathogen that poses a threat to the cannabis industry, it highlights the importance of scientific testing and the need for higher standards in the industry. As more companies and products enter the commercial cannabis market, the threat of disease puts pressure on businesses to prioritize safety over the bottom line.
The consequences of the virus are not just limited to the financial impact on growers, but also to the health and safety of consumers. Contaminated products could hurt consumers, which emphasizes the need for proper testing and adherence to regulations. However, there isn’t much evidence of this just yet. Nonetheless, it’s important that people not consume these pathogens which is why some form of regulation – especially on the commercial sector – does call for “some” regulation. Mainly within the sphere of product safety.
It’s important that this problem be dealt with promptly to prevent further damage to the already fragile cannabis industry, which is facing increasing competition and a drop in demand. The Cannabis Control Commission in Massachusetts is building out testing and lab staff to ensure compliance with regulations, and more research needs to be done to ensure the safety of the industry.
This is something that will become more prevalent as the cannabis industry continues to expand their reach into new markets. In fact, international pathogens could soon be a problem, and how these pathogens impact global markets will have an impact on prices.
The Age of Pathogens
The prevalence of cannabis-related pathogens is a growing concern for the cannabis industry. While hop latent viroid has recently grabbed the attention of growers, there are many other pathogens that have the potential to harm cannabis crops. Some are well-known, like powdery mildew and botrytis, while others are more obscure.
Pathogens like these can cause significant damage to cannabis crops, leading to yield loss, reduced potency, and increased susceptibility to other diseases. They can also be difficult to detect and control, which makes prevention and preparedness essential to maintaining crop integrity.
One way to address this issue is by keeping genetic records of all cannabis plants. By maintaining a record of genetic information for each plant, growers can identify and track specific genotypes that are more resilient to certain pathogens. This will allow them to make informed decisions when choosing which plants to cultivate, and to develop strategies for managing specific pathogens.
Furthermore, maintaining genetic records can also help unlock the potential medical properties that could be locked away in a particular genotype. By understanding the genetic makeup of cannabis plants and how they interact with different pathogens, scientists can identify the chemical compounds and properties that may be useful for treating a variety of ailments.
In addition to genetic records, there are other strategies that can be employed to prevent the spread of cannabis-related pathogens. These include proper sanitation procedures, regular lab testing, and sourcing plants from pre-tested seed or local stock.
It’s also important to note that new pathogens are always emerging, and there’s a lot that we still don’t know about the potential threats to cannabis crops. This highlights the need for continued research and innovation in the industry, as well as a willingness to adapt and evolve in the face of new challenges.
Small-scale cannabis growers face unique challenges when it comes to protecting their crops from pathogens. Unlike large commercial growers who have access to extensive resources, small growers must rely on more practical and cost-effective methods to ensure the health and vitality of their plants. Here are some of the most practical ways that small grows can protect themselves from pathogens, along with some best practices and tips for building a seed vault.
One of the most important steps small growers can take to protect their crops is to start with clean genetics. This means sourcing seeds or clones from reputable breeders who have a proven track record of producing healthy, pathogen-free plants. By starting with clean genetics, small growers can avoid introducing pathogens into their grows in the first place.
Regular sanitation is also crucial for small grows. This includes regularly cleaning and disinfecting all equipment, tools, and surfaces in the grow area. Growers should also take care to avoid cross-contamination by not moving between grows without cleaning and changing clothes.
Another practical step small growers can take is to implement regular lab testing. This can be expensive, but many labs offer affordable testing packages for small growers. Regular testing can help detect pathogens early, allowing growers to take action before the problem becomes more serious.
Using natural pest control methods is another practical approach that small growers can take. For example, using beneficial insects like ladybugs and praying mantises can help control pests like spider mites and aphids without the use of harmful chemicals.
Building a seed vault is also a practical way for small growers to protect themselves from pathogens. A seed vault is a collection of seeds that are stored in a cool, dry place for future use. By maintaining a collection of seeds from a variety of strains, small growers can ensure that they always have a backup plan in case of crop failure or contamination.
To start building a seed vault, small growers should first determine which strains they want to collect. It’s a good idea to focus on strains that are known to be resilient to pathogens and that have a proven track record of success. Once the strains have been identified, growers can start collecting seeds by purchasing them from reputable seed banks or by collecting them from their own plants.
Once the seeds have been collected, small growers should store them in a cool, dry place. A refrigerator or a cool, dark room is ideal for storing seeds. Growers should also take care to label each seed with the strain name and the date of collection.
These are the most practical steps you can take to ensure that no matter how harsh it gets out there, you’re able to weather the storm and keep your ship afloat. By ship, I’m referring to your cannabis grow of course!
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Cannabis News
Does Derek Maltz at the DEA Now Kill All Cannabis Legalization and Rescheduling Hopes?
Is There Hope For Cannabis Rescheduling With Maltz In Office?
In January, fear spread across the nation when Derek S. Maltz was appointed as the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)’s Acting Administrator.
On January 21st, 2025, he took office, but we’re yet to find out if he’s the great threat to cannabis rescheduling that we think he is. Having Maltz in the DEA office could quite literally be a cannabis prohibitionist’s dream: he has all the right ingredients in place to keep cannabis illegal and stop it from progressing. Rescheduling? Don’t even think about it.
NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano even commented on the appointment, saying: “The new acting DEA Administrator is a lifelong drug war hawk whose outdated attitudes toward cannabis are out of step with those of most Americans. At a time when most Americans are demanding long overdue changes in federal cannabis policy, Derek Maltz epitomizes the failed policies and approaches of the past.”
You see, Maltz has long been vocal about his skepticism surrounding cannabis, including the benefits it can provide if rescheduled. And while the DEA press release describes Maltz as a “champion” when it comes to fighting global drug trafficking as well as terrorism, he’s not so hot about rescheduling cannabis.
Yes, even if Trump showed support for rescheduling weed! Just last September 2024, Trump posted on his social media site, Truth Social: “As a Floridian, I will be voting YES on Amendment 3 in November.”
“As President, we will continue to focus on research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana to a Schedule 3 drug, and work with Congress to pass common sense laws, including safe banking for state authorized companies, and supporting states rights to pass marijuana laws, like in Florida, that work so well for their citizens,” he said.
However, Maltz openly doubted the legitimacy of government efforts to reclassify cannabis, saying that under Biden, the government was “placing politics above public safety.”
As reported by Marijuana Moment, Maltz also put cannabis in a negative light and said it causes psychosis, during an NTD interview last year during a Turning Point USA event. “Marijuana is not the marijuana from the 70s or the 80s or the 90s. This is higher, pure-THC marijuana,” Maltz said.
“I’ve even talked to doctors about this. It’s actually causing psychosis, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety – so it’s really a gateway drug for these kids that don’t know any better,” Maltz said. “The mental illness – the depression and anxiety – is off the chats in America. So these kids are turning to drugs for help,” he was quoted as saying.
How Else Is Maltz A Threat To Cannabis Legalization?
In addition, Maltz’ decorated career in law enforcement, particularly his strict stance on organized crime and drug trafficking, may influence his positions when it comes to marijuana regulations and the businesses in the industry.
If Maltz continues his focus on policing, this could seriously hurt profits and the industry as a whole. There is no doubt that the political climate is turbulent at best, and with Maltz at the helm, with his claims of focusing on public safety and fighting against drugs, the pro-cannabis camp is more worried than ever. It does not help that the hearings initially scheduled to debate cannabis rescheduling was delayed; it should have pushed through in order to assess the rescheduling proposals so that cannabis may have been on its way to be listed as a Schedule III substance.
Unfortunately, the unstable and chaotic political climate as of late did nothing but delay these discussions.
Furthermore, Maltz might be spending a lot of time, money, and effort on capturing these so-called narco-terrorists during his time in the Drug Enforcement Agency. According to him, traffickers and drug cartels still rule the marijuana markets. This isn’t good if it happens, since this could cause more DEA raids or random, unnecessary investigations in legal cannabis markets. Besides, Maltz thinks that the cartels fuel the black market in America today. Maltz even said: “People aren’t going to pay for marijuana, for example, with these high taxes in these states that have legalized. They’re going to get it from the cartels, and that’s just reality.”
Conclusion
Trump’s stance on marijuana has continued to confuse people; it’s been mixed over the past few years. While Trump himself says supports rescheduling, his administration can quite literally make the decision to stop the rescheduling process completely. After all, administrative law states that if a federal agency hasn’t made a final decision before a new government takes place in the White House, then the appointed president has the freedom to direct that the rules be completely withdrawn.
On that note, we’d need a strong DEA head to change things. Things are hard enough as it is, the last thing we need is an obstacle in the government.
It’s truly unfortunate that we have Maltz in office; with him in leadership, any hopes for progressing on federal cannabis reform might go back to being just a dream. What he does over the next few months could create a serious divide between federal enforcement as well as state legalization efforts, and instead increase the hardships faced by businesses and public health.
While the future seems bleak, we have to keep a close eye on how political negotiations in the Trump Administration will fare in the near future. That said, we must never give up and continue to fight for legalization however we can.
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Modern Parenting: Talking to your kids about weed…our use not theirs!
Remember that uncomfortable moment when your parents caught you smoking weed? That dreaded “Talk” that followed – where you sat squirming in your chair while they cycled through concern, disappointment, and those well-worn warnings about the dangers of marijuana. Even though you knew they meant well, it felt like an eternity of awkward silence punctuated by cautionary tales and stern looks.
For those of us who came of age in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, this was practically a rite of passage. Getting busted, enduring The Talk, making promises to “never do it again” (fingers firmly crossed behind our backs), and eventually being grounded or punished in some creative way. While our parents were right about waiting until our brains fully developed before experimenting with cannabis, the whole experience was about as pleasant as a bad case of cottonmouth.
But times, they are a-changin’. These days, many of those same kids who got The Talk are now parents themselves – and quite a few of them enjoy cannabis responsibly as adults. This creates an interesting role reversal. Instead of lecturing kids about their weed use, modern parents face the challenge of explaining their own cannabis consumption to their children.
How do you have that conversation? When is the right time? What do you say to a curious 5-year-old who spots your vape pen? How do you address a teenager’s pointed questions about your “hypocritical” stance on underage use?
Today, we’re going to tackle these thorny questions head-on, providing modern parents with age-appropriate strategies for discussing their cannabis use with their kids. Because in 2025, The Talk isn’t just about warning kids away from weed – it’s about modeling responsible adult consumption in an era of increasing acceptance and legalization.
Let’s dive into how to navigate these conversations at different stages of your child’s development.
When it comes to discussing cannabis use with your kids, we can essentially break it down into two major developmental stages. Sure, we could slice and dice age groups into smaller segments, but we’d just end up rehashing variations of the same conversation. For simplicity’s sake, let’s focus on “Pre-Teen” (ages 3-12) and “Teen” (13-19), though you’ll need to adjust these guidelines based on your child’s individual development.
During those early years, less is definitely more. Your five-year-old doesn’t need a detailed explanation of the endocannabinoid system or terpene profiles. A simple “It’s Mommy’s medicine” or “It helps Daddy’s back pain” usually suffices. Kids this age are generally satisfied with straightforward, matter-of-fact explanations that fit within their understanding of the world.
However – and this is crucial – don’t fool yourself into thinking they’re not paying attention. Kids are like tiny surveillance cameras with unlimited storage capacity. They notice everything, even when you think they’re absorbed in their LEGOs or favorite cartoon.
I’ll never forget a scene I witnessed in San Pancho, a laid-back surf town in Mexico. At some local’s gathering, I watched in amazement as toddlers perfectly mimicked their cannabis-consuming parents – right down to the characteristic head bob, half-lidded eyes, and that unmistakable “stoned” expression. They weren’t judging; they were just doing what kids do best: observing and imitating.
This brings me to the most critical point about handling cannabis use during your children’s early years: it’s less about what you say and more about how you behave. Your actions will shape their perceptions far more than any explanation you provide.
If you can consume cannabis while maintaining your role as a responsible, present, and reliable parent – if you’re still helping with homework, making dinner, playing games, and being their rock of stability – then you’re sending the right message. Kids don’t need you to be perfect, but they do need you to be consistent and dependable.
The goal isn’t to hide your cannabis use but to demonstrate that it doesn’t fundamentally change who you are or your ability to be their parent. If you can maintain your composure, fulfill your responsibilities, and avoid turning into a stereotype (looking at you, couch-locked snack attackers), your kids are likely to view cannabis as just another aspect of adult life – no more dramatic or concerning than having a glass of wine with dinner.
This approach, combined with age-appropriate explanations, should carry you through the pre-teen years fairly smoothly. But fair warning: once those teenage years hit and complex reasoning kicks in, you’re in for a whole new ballgame. But we’ll get to that particular joy in a moment.
“You don’t pay her!” (Sorry, couldn’t resist the dad joke.) But all humor aside, welcome to the psychological warzone known as “The Teen Years.” If you thought explaining cannabis to your pre-teen was tricky, buckle up – you’re in for a wild ride.
What makes teenagers so different? In a word: everything. By thirteen, your sweet, accepting child has morphed into a walking paradox of complex reasoning and questionable decision-making. They’re developing their own opinions, challenging social norms, and thanks to the hormone monster residing in their developing brains, experiencing emotions with the intensity of a Michael Bay explosion.
Let’s be real – teenagers aren’t exactly operating at peak cognitive efficiency. And I say this with love, having been a spectacularly dumb teenager myself. Between raging hormones, peer pressure, and the desperate need to seem “cool,” their decision-making abilities often resemble a game of darts played blindfolded.
Here’s the kicker – at some point, your teen will encounter cannabis in the wild. Maybe at a party, behind the school gym, or through that one friend whose older brother “totally knows what he’s talking about.” They’ll be exposed to various narratives about weed, many of them wildly inaccurate. This is precisely why you need to step up your game and establish clear guidelines about responsible drug use.
Your message should be straightforward: Cannabis, like alcohol, is primarily for adults. Yes, it has medical applications for some young people, but recreational use should wait until their brains are fully developed. I recommend taking it a step further – tell them you’d love to be their first smoking buddy… when they’re old enough. This might sound counterintuitive, but it accomplishes two things: it acknowledges their future autonomy while establishing a clear boundary about present use.
This is also the time to have broader conversations about drugs in general. Don’t just stop at cannabis – discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly. Talk about different substances, the people who use them, and the various situations they might encounter. Not to frighten them, but to prepare them for the real world they’re about to enter.
The goal isn’t to lecture but to equip them with knowledge and critical thinking skills. They’re going to face these situations without you present, and you want them prepared to make informed decisions.
However – and this is crucial – read the room. If your kid innocently asks why you use cannabis, maybe hold off on sharing that wild story about the time you ate an entire pizza while convinced your cat was plotting against you. Keep it age-appropriate and relevant to their level of curiosity.
Remember, you’re not just teaching them about cannabis – you’re modeling how to have mature, honest conversations about complex topics. And in the hormone-addled battlefield of adolescence, that’s worth its weight in gold.
Here’s a plot twist that might surprise you – today’s kids are actually more straight-edge than we were. They’re drinking less, experimenting with fewer drugs, and even putting off sex longer than previous generations. Who would’ve thought that unlimited access to TikTok and social media would make getting high seem less appealing?
The irony isn’t lost on me. Just as us former “rebellious stoners” have become responsible cannabis-consuming parents, our kids are more likely to be found coding an app than hotboxing behind the gym. And let’s be honest – that’s probably a good thing.
But this shift in youth behavior coincides with a massive transformation in how society views cannabis. The plant that once sparked nationwide panic is now as commonplace as craft beer in many states. The “devil’s lettuce” has gone mainstream, and with it, our need to have more nuanced, honest conversations with our kids about its use.
Being upfront about your cannabis consumption isn’t about promoting drug use – it’s about fostering trust and open dialogue with your children. By discussing your own use responsibly and age-appropriately, you’re not just explaining a plant; you’re teaching critical thinking, personal responsibility, and the importance of making informed decisions.
It’s time to ditch the old taboos and stop pretending our teenagers are living in a bubble of innocence. The world they’re growing up in is complex, often chaotic, and full of choices we never had to face. The best gift we can give them isn’t protection from these realities, but the knowledge and confidence to navigate them wisely.
Because ultimately, that’s what good parenting is about – not shielding our kids from the world, but preparing them to face it head-on, armed with understanding, wisdom, and the ability to make smart choices. Even if that means having some uncomfortable conversations about your own relationship with cannabis along the way.
Inspiration:
https://www.reddit.com/r/entwives/comments/1i4gtx7/
how_are_we_talking_to_our_kids_about_cannabis_use/
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